Ohio Breweries by Rick Armon

The Columbus, Cleveland and Cincy Winter Beerfests attracted more than 33,700 people combined this year, organizer Craig Johnson said in an email Monday. (Feb. 17)

The seventh annual Cincy Winter Beerfest, which took place Feb. 14-15 at the Duke Energy Convention Center, is the king of Ohio when it comes to beer tastings. It drew more than 14,200 (12,700 paid) over its two-day run, despite snow falling each day.

That is a 9 percent increase over the previous year. "Not bad considering the amount of snow," Johnson said.

Meanwhile, the fourth annual Columbus Winter Beerfest, held Jan. 17-18 at the Columbus Convention Center, attracted 12,000 (10,500 paid), an increase of 11 percent. The Columbus event attracted 9,500 people on Saturday, making it the largest single day for the Beerfest events.

The inaugural Cleveland Winter Beerfest, held Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at the Cleveland Convention Center, drew 7,500 (6,600 paid). "A sellout for which we are grateful and excited about the expansion possibilities for next winter," Johnson said.

Up next is the inaugural Pittsburgh Beerfest, set for Feb. 28 and March 1 at The David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Organizers predict a sellout crowd of 7,000 to 8,000.

Johnson said that organizers expect to announce record charity donations in mid-March.